Bent rear axle

[old motorbike]

My rear axle has gradually bent, causing the wheel to be crooked. It was a 15 speed mountain bike. I did a search and couldn't find a source for a grade 8 axle or all thread. I couldn't find one local. It's a 10mm x 1.0 pitch.
I decided to use an old head bolt for a car. I don't know the grade, but I'm sure its harder after working with it and the size was close. I ground off the old threads and will need to cut down the head for proper length. I bought a new die and threaded most of it. I'll post pics if it works. It cost $6 for the die so far.

[tyrslider]

A good quality heavy duty axle is only $15!

[old motorbike]

Thanks, I tried to find a heavier axle at a local bike shop and they didn't have one. Can I get one online?
I'm finding all kinds of troubles. The axle was no problem to make from the head bolt. The threads do not match the bicycle's threads. I took it to a bolt supply house, here and the closest they could determine was also a 10mm x 1.0. They said manufacturers sometimes use generic sizes? This size doesn't match the nuts and bearing races threads. Very close. So I re-tapped them only to find that the bearing races are too hard to tap and the edge of one crumbled.
Unless I can get all the parts, I'm considering going to all 7/16" or 1/2" and use sealed bearings.
I'm also looking for a tool that I can remove the gear cluster because there's a bearing and retainer nut under there.

[Walter F.]

I have found as a rule bicycle axles have two different thread pitches, 24 threads per inch & 26 threads per inch. If this was not confusing enough, most bikes have one pitch on the rear and another pitch on the front. I think it is 26 threads per inch on the rear & 24 on the front but it could be the other way around.

As far as axles, you might try Rini Enterprises in Beaver Falls PA. Hope this helps Walter F.

[old motorbike]

Thanks Walter,
You're probably correct. The axle was thought to be a 3/8" x 24,(they didn't know about the 26) but maybe it's a 3/8" x 26. that would make more sense. The 1.0 pitch fit, but the 10mm was a little big. I'll need to explore more tomorrow when the stores are open.

[old motorbike]

I found another bike store in town. The guy had all the parts I needed. Axle, bearings, cones, nuts and a freewheel tool all for $10. He also was quite interested to see my bike. I had it back running last night.
Also checked Rini and they had lots of parts. Thanks to everyone.

[tyrslider]

Was that a chro-mo axle? Seems cheap for all that stuff. You do not want a non-chromolly axle.